For the first time ever, Darkness Shall Rise Productions releases a compilation, ‘Darkness Falls (The Early Years)’, on LP/CD/3-MC box and digital gathering the three demos from melodic Death Metal pioneers Desultory.
Commonly cited and appreciated as one of the trailblazers of melodic Death Metal, Swedish Desultory`s roots are deeply buried in Thrash Metal. Wearing their influences on their sleeves, their first demo From Beyond features songs in the vein of Kreator, Testament or Merciless.
Apart from Klas Morberg`s eery howlings which bear semblance with early Tiamat and the fact that the demo was recorded in legendary Sunlight Studios in 1990, ‘From Beyond’ is basically a Thrash Metal demo, albeit a very enjoyable and strikingly well-played one.
It was with ‘Death Unfolds’ from 1991, the rabid pack`s second demo, that Desultory really came into their own as far as style and sound are concerned.
Again recorded by Tomas Skogsberg in his renowned Sunlight Studios, the demo showcases most of the band`s typical trademarks they would go on to be admired for. Bangers like ‘Passed Away’ and ‘The Chill Within’ both of which would end up being re-recorded for Desultory`s debut album are top-tier swedish Death Metal with downtuned guitar riffs in abundance and a particular sensitivity for melody.
Simply titled ‘Visions’, the 3rd demo again recorded in Sunlight Studios in 1992 logically continues Desultory`s trajectory.
Building on the fundament laid out on ‘Death Unfolds’ some of the ingredients only hinted at previously are extended and fine-tuned on tracks like ‘Forever Gone’ and ‘Depression’. Aided by the strongest production of their demos giving the songs that certain extra punch this demo is victorious on all fronts and a must listen for anyone into Swedish Death Metal of the highest order.
Mastered from the original master tapes by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony in February 2024. A long interview with Klas Morberg was specially conducted for this demo compilation.
Available as limited vinyl in 3 different colors, jewel-case CD, 3-MC tape box, merchandise and digital.
More info: Desultory; Darkness Shall Rise Productions;